The United Kingdom | The UK Government is Planning a Further 25% Increase of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The UK Government has confirmed that is planning a further 25% increase of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which would raise from £16 to £20.  

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory digital pre - travel permission for visa - exempt visitors, first introduced in 2023, valid for multiple, short - term, 6 months over two years (or passport expiry). It enables pre - screening of travellers to enhance security, with most applications via the UK ETA app, in minutes, though it does not guarantee entry. The UK Government indicated that 19.6 million ETAs were granted in the first two years of the system, until the end of September 2025.

Last year, the UK increased the Electronic Travel Authorisation rate by 60% from £10 to £16 with new value coming into force in April 2025. 

According to an information note from the Home Office, the equivalent of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the British Government intends to increase the cost of the ETA again by another £4 pounds, to £20 pounds. Although a data for this change has not yet been indicated, the most recent increase needs parliamentary approval. 

ETA Increase Details: 

•    Fee Structure: The cost rises to £20 per applicant. 
•    Implementation: The fee hike aligns with the mandatory enforcement of the ETA scheme, which begins 25 February 2026, meaning travellers without one may be denied boarding. 
•    Purpose: The increase is intended to support the funding of the UK’s migration and boarder system. 
•    Scope: This affects all - non - visa nationals (Including US, Canadian, Ausralian, and EU/EEA citizens) visiting the UK for short stays.

The increase which brings the cost in line with the EU’s upcoming ETIAS fee, was confirmend by the Home Office as part of the digital permit’s shift to full enforcement. 

 Another change, which comes into effect from 25 February 2026, will prevent eligible visitors do not have an ETA from boarding their UK - bound mode of transport. 

Travellers taking connecting flights at British airports and passing through UK passport control will still need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, unless they are transiting through London Heathrow or Manchester airports and do not crossing the British border. 

A Home Office statement said that as with all the UK fees, the cost of the Electronic Travel Authorisation is regularly reviewed, and the Government intends to increase the value of the ETA to £20 in the future.  

Chief Executive of the UKinbound tourism association, Joss Croft, saidf that rising visa and ETA costs risk pulling the tourism economy in the wrong direction and slowing down that growth. 

The head of the association added that international visitors have a choice, and the UK already has some of the highest entry in the world. Making visits even more expensive undermines the country competitiveness and puts valuable export revenue at risk. If the Government wants growth to be felt locally, it must rethink these increases and keep the United Kingdom, welcoming and competitive.

In addition, The UK Government also intends to increase the cost of the two - year visitor visa from £475 to £506 for travellers who do not qualify for an Electronic Travel Authorisation.

Link
https://www.publituris.pt/2026/01/27/governo-britanico-planeia-novo-aumento-de-25-na-taxa-da-eta

Mexico | The Maya Train Boosts Tourism and Local Sales by Introducing Specialized “Janal” Restaurant Cars

The “Tren Maya” or Maya Train, a 1.554 km long inter - city railway in Mexico that traverses the Yucátan Peninsula, designed to connect 5 states in the southeastern region of the country reaching various destinations and communities, is boosting tourism and local sales by introducing specialized “Janal” (eating) restaurant cars featuring traditional Yucatecan and authentic Maya cuisines as part of its 42 - train fleet services. 

This move alongside commercial concessions for local businesses at stations, is an initiative that aims to showcase regional culture and stimulate the economy across the Yucatán Peninsula supported by the launch of its delicious gastronomy travelling by train. 

The Maya Train adds a new gastronomic proposal as a culinary experience in motion with these restaurant cars integrated in the existing modalities such as Xiimbal, with a regular trip, an P’atal, a long - distance service. 

Janal also presents itself as a platform for collaboration with the restaurant and hotel industry in the region. The project seeks to amplify the value and high - level of the Mexican and Yucatecan cuisine, names and products od local businesses, as a gastronomic and cultural showcase. 

While they have not announced costs or exact opening dates to the public, Janal is an ambitious project because it’a a dining room on rails, turning the act of travelling into a way to get to know the Southeast through its relevant gastronomy and culinary art. 

The design of the wagons has the modernist aesthetic inspired by Luis Barragán, where light, colour and geometry dialogue with the landscape. Tables for two and four people, reclining seats and large panoramic windows observing the archaeological sites, the jungle, and the villages that the train crosses are some of the highlights of these restaurant cars.

Likewise, they will have the Mayan Train Beer, with an amber craft beer created to accompany the gastronomic offer, to pair the intensity of the traditional Yucatecan and southeastern stews and will be available in Janal, Xiinbal and P’atal. 

As reported by REPORTOUR.mx, the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) recently announced that the Maya Train will open ticket sales in collaboration with the transport platform Flix, a German brand that offers low - coast intercity coach services in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia. The operations started on February 1, 2026 offering European tourists to purchase these services before their tours of the Mexican southeast. 

The Secretary of Tourism of Mexico Josefina Rodríguez Zamora stated that the collaboration strengthens the country’s tourism competitiveness by integrating digital tools that simplify the travel experience and bring the destinations of the Mayan World closer to a greater number of international visitors. The incorporation of the Maya Train to Flix confirms that this project continues to consolidate in the European market. 

Key Aspects of the Gastronomic Experience: 

•    Janal Service: Dedicated restaurant cars, designed with regional aesthetics, offer high - quality, authentic Mayan cuisine, enhancing the travel experience beyond standard transportation. 
•    Regional Economic Boost: The project prioritizes local businesses for concessions, enabling small, local enterprises to sell regional produces and handicrafts to passengers. 
•    Strategic Integration: The dining experience is designed to showcase the culinary heritage of the five states along the route such as Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán.
•    Complementary Services: The train system includes three types of services: Xiinbal (standard), Janal (restaurant), and P’atal (long – distance/sleeping cabins). 

This initiative aims to redefine regional travel, combining modern, eco - friendly infrastructure with deep cultural, culinary, and social integration of local communities.  

Link

https://www.reportur.com/agencias/2026/02/07/fotos-tren-maya-impulsara-ventas-con-tren-gastronomico/

Angola | Approved a €449 Million Public Investment to Develop Critical Infrastructure in Key Coastal Tourism Zones

Angola through its President João Lourenço has approved a €449 million investment to develop critical infrastructure in key coastal tourism zones, such as Cabo Ledo, Namibe, and Quicombo, financed by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., a Japanese bank holding and financial services company headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. 

Under Executive Orders No. 32/36 and 33/26, the funds will be delivered to introduce a simplified procurement process for the design and construction of access roads, electricity,  public lighting, sanitation, telecommunications and water supply to boost tourism and diversify economy. 

Works will cover the areas of Quicombo Bay in Cuanza Sul, Pipas Bay in Saco Mar, Tômbwa Bay and Três Irmãos Bay in Moçâmedes, Namibe under the “Planifica Turismo” (Planning Tourism) programme approved in 2025. 

 The plan seeks to unlock a strategic coastal tourism corridor, reduce investor entry costs and address infrastructure gaps tha have constrained projects despite rising interest. 

Angola is actively working to improve its infrastructure and tourism sector and the African country was recognised by the Global Tourism Forum as 2025’s Best Tourism Investment Destination. The Angolan government expects the initiative to strengthen competitiveness and support sustainable development, with anticipated job creation and local economic gains. 

Key aspects of the investment approved in February 2026 include: 

•    Targeted Locations: The projects focus on the Cabo Ledo Tourism Development Hub, Quicombo Bay, Cuasza Azul, and the bays of Pipas, Saco Mar, Tômbwa Bay and Três Irmãos Bay in Moçâmedes, Namibe. 
•    Funding Breakdown: A €249 million tranche is dedicated to the Cabo Ledo project, while €200 million is allocated to the other coastal bay infrastructures. 
•    Economic Goals: The initiative aims to support the “Planifica Turismo” program approved in 2025, increase tourism’s contribution to GDP to 0.87% by 2027, and create nearly 7.000 temporary jobs. 
•    Strategic Context: The development is designed to reduce investor entry costs and strengthen Angola’s position as an emerging maritime tourism destination. 

This investment, part of the 2023 - 2027 National Development Plan, is expected to address long - standing infrastructure gaps to attract further private investment.

Link
https://atta.travel/resource/angola-approves-449m-for-coastal-tourism-infrastructure.html

Loews Hotels & Co | Revealed Plans to Open a 507 - Room Property in Arlington, Texas, U.S.

Loews Hotels & Co, an American luxury hospitality company founded in 1960 and  based in New York City, a group that owns or operates various hotels in the U.S. and Canada,  has revealed plans to open a 507 - room property in Arlington, a city in Texas, located in the heart of the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex,  a highly diverse centre, offering a dense suburban feel, with.

Arlington is a very attractive city, home to the famous University of Texas, a major entertainment and sport hub, depicted as  the “American Dream City”, featuring premier attractions like AT&T Stadium, Dallas Cowboys home, one of the most iconic teams in the NFL, Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), the Arlington Museum of Art that showcases the popular Six Flags Over Texas amusement park, and Hurricane Harbor water park.

The future Americana by Loews Hotels will be constructed on the site of the existing Sheraton Arlington Hotel, which is scheduled for demolition in early June.

Construction of the new hotel is set to begin this summer and this development marks Loews Hotels & Co’s third property in the city’s Entertainment District. located at 1500 Convention Center Drive, close to AT&T Stadium, 13 minutes’ walk from Globe Life Park, and 3.2 kilometres from the Six Flags Over Texas theme park.

The property will feature 507 rooms, including 39 suites. designed to serve meetings and events, with more than 83.000 square feet of total indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Indoor meeting space will total 44.789 square feet, including a 17.337 - square - foot grand ballroom, a 10.000 - square - foot event barn, a 6.808 - square foot junior ballroom, and 10.644 square feet of breakout rooms.

Pre - function space will add approximately 24.000 square feet, though this is not included in the total meeting space calculation.

Outdoor event space will total 38.651 square feet, featuring a 23.820 - square – foot event lawn, a 7.633 - square - foot pool terrace, a 2.760 - square - foot junior ballroom terrace, a 2.272 - square - foot three meal terrace, a 2.168 - square - foot grand ballroom and boardroom terrace.

Americana by Loew Hotels will be the brand’s 28th property, and its name pays tribute to the iconic Americana Hotel in Bal Harbour, Florida, a Loews landmark that opened in 1956.

Wth the addition of Americana by Loews Hotels, the company’s Arlington campus will comprise three hotels, totalling 1.695 rooms and more than 374.000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting place.

Link

https://www.loewshotels.com/press/news/press-categories/press-releases/americana-by-loews-hotels-arlington-announcement

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139673.html

Nammos Hotels and Resorts | Unveiled Plans to Open its First Resort in the Middle East at AMAALA’s Triple Bay, Saudi Arabia

Nammos Hotels and Resort, a company part of ADMO Lifestyle Holding with offices in Monaco, Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Mykonos, Greece focusing on beachfront, high - end, exclusive resort, ultra - luxury hospitality and vibrant design, has unveiled plans to open its first resort in the Middle East at AMAALA Triple Bay, a flagship regenerative tourism project by Red Sea Global, an ultra - luxury wellness destination on Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast, featuring nine premier resorts, including Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Six Senses, a marina, yacht club, and a marine life institute.

Nammos Resort AMAALA will be the first new opening under Nammos’ expansion plan scheduled to open in spring 2026, and designed to blend the local natural surroundings, offering a “barefoot elegance” experience combined with intense, curated nightlife dining.

The development will be anchored by a private island and will features 110 rooms and suites, villas, 20 private residences, pool bungalows and the Cliff Villa, described as offering AMAALA Triple Bay’s most exclusive viewpoint.

Facilities will include a collection of infinity pools, the Blu Kids Club and three dining venues such as the Nammos Restaurant, located on a private island with an infinity pool, cabanas, and a private jetty for boat arrivals, Nalu, offering Latin American cuisine, and Ilios, a Mediterranean restaurant and bar.

The resort wellness hub will introduce the Nammos Spa, which will launch a proprietary wellness program and will partner with Augustinus Bader for skincare services.

At Nammos Resort AMAALA guests will have access to a dedicated Nammos Butler, a servce model described as anticipating guest needs.

The property is designed to operate with a zero - carbon footprint and will be powered by 100% renewable energy upon completion, as part of AMAALA Triple Bay’s sustainability infrastructure.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139768.html

Scandic Hotels | Unveiled Plans to Open a 152 - Room Scandic Go Hotel in Stavanger, Norway

Scandic Hotels, a Swedish hotel chain based in Stockholm, a pioneer within sustainability, boasting the majority of its properties certified with the Nordic Ecolabel require has unveiled plan to open a 152 - room Scandic Go hotel in Stavanger, an attractive coastal city in southwestern Norway.

Stavanger is a very lively centre,  known as the nation’s “Energy Capital” due to its robust oil industry, while retaining immense charm with its 18th - century wooden houses in Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger), a historic, preserved neigbourhood with picturesque cobblestone streets and and alleys, relevant museums and serving as major gateway to dramatic nature, including the breathtaking Lysefjord and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock),  cliff, and the 4.444 - step wooden staircase at Flørli.

The hotel will be established through the renovation and conversion  of one of the city’s central buildings in a redeveloped property within the Ankerkvartalet complex, an area being developed by property owner SVG Property, a short distance from Stavanger Maritime Museum and the Fjord Cruise departure point. 

Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the hotel expected to open in 2028. The new Scandic Go Hotel will be the third in the brand’s portfolio to open in Norway, previous announcements included new Scandic Go hotels in Oslo and Tromsø.

The property will feature 152 rooms joining the Scandic Go Brand, a budget - friendly, urban hotel brand designed for the economy segment, offering essentials at a lower price point to allow to spend more time and money exploring the destination.

The hotel is planned to operate under the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the official environmental certification in the Nordic countries, prioritizing the use of recycled materials in its operations, including chairs made from coffee grounds and tabletops made from recycled textlies.

According to the announcement, Scandic currently operates five hotels in Stavanger and this expansion in the city reflects ongoing investment in the Norwegian hospitality sector with a continuous interest in the region as a relevant tourist destination.

Links

https://www.scandichotelsgroup.com/media/press-releases/2026/new-scandic-go-in-stavanger/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139872.html

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Experiencing a Significant Economic Boost Thanks to Tourism

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's sprawling capital in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, and the country commercial and cultural hub is experiencing a significant economic boost thanks to tourism.

 The city, Africa's diplomatic capital (AU/Un/HQ), a growing economic hub, and a cultural treasure trove housing "Lucy" at the National Museum, offering rich history, vibrant markets, unique coffee culture, and a blend of ancient tradition with modern development, attracting tourists, expats, and business for its unique atmosphere, affordability, and role as gateway to Ethiopia is consolidating itself as an emergent destination in the African continent.

Based on reports from early February 2026 regarding the first half of the 2025/2026 Ethiopian fiscal year, Addis Ababa has experienced a booming tourism, with 155,000 nillion Birr, approximately US$1 billion injected into the local economy from international tourists in six months, according to Mayor Adanech Abiebie.

 In addition, the city welcomed 4.9 million domestic tourists, demonstrating Addis Ababa's growing appeal as both a domestic and international destination, according to information from ENA, the official news agency of the government of Ethiopia.

 During the presentation of the tourism performance report at the City Council, the Mayor stressed that these numbers reflect the accelerated transformation of the city into a leading destination for tourism and conferences in Africa.

 The mayor attributed this strong performance to the development of new tourist destinations and the improvement of existing ones, designed to maximize the social and economic impact of the sector.

The official mentioned that the city is a hub for tourism conferences and events have that significantly increased the number of international and continental meetings, with almost 150 events held in the last six months, an increase of 50% compared to last year. 

 Key details regarding Addis Ababa's tourism performance: 

•    Significant Revenue: The city administration announced that in six months starting around July 8. 2025, international visitors injected roughly $1 billion (155 billion Birr) into the economy. 
•    Visitor Numbers: Addis Ababa hosted 699,761 international tourists during this period, which marks a 15% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. 
•    Domestic Tourism: Domestic tourism also increased, with roughly 4.9 million local tourists visiting attractions in the Ethiopian capital. 
•    Drivers of Growth: Mayor Adanech Abiebie attributed this strong performance to development of new, upgraded, and flagship, sites such as Friendship Park, the Science Museum, and Unity Park. 
•    Conference Hub: The city's status as a top African conference and event destination was solidified by hosting approximately 150 international and continental events in the past six months, a 50% increase from the previous year. 
 

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/capital-et-ope-inyecta-m-s-de-2-700-millones-de-d-lares-en-el-sector-tur-stico/